Presidential Medal for Merit

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The Presidential Medal for Merit is one of the highest civilian decoration of the United States, awarded by the President of the United States to civilians for exceptionally meritorious conduct. It was created by Executive Order 9637--Medal for Merit on October 3, 1945, later amended and restated by Executive Order 9857A of May 27, 1947. At the time, it was the highest award available to civilians. Created during World War II, and mostly awarded to civilians who contributed to that war, the medal has not been awarded since 1952.

Civilians who rendered exceptional service after the proclamation of an emergency by the President on September 8, 1939 were eligible to receive the medal. Foreigners of any nation who assisted in the war efforts of the United Nations (as existing on July 20, 1942, which is not the present UN) were also eligible. Proposals were considered by the Medal for Merit Board, numbering three members appointed by the President, of whom one was appointed by the President as Chairman of the Board. The medal cannot be awarded for any action relating to the prosecution of World War II subsequent to the cessation of hostilities (as proclaimed by Proclamation No. 2714 of December 31, 1946), and no proposal for an award for such services could be submitted after June 30, 1947.

[edit] Some recipients

[edit] External links

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